A double-decker bus, an elephant and 300 Girl Guides: Analyzing ‘space’ and ‘place’ in Blue Peter

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article draws upon Lury's definitions of ‘space’ and ‘place’ in relation to the BBC children's programme Blue Peter (1958—present). Through an analysis of the Blue Peter studio over the past 53 years, Amanda highlights its evolution from a ‘space’ to a ‘place’ within the history of children's television. Her article considers how the Blue Peter studio's ‘infinite nature’ was achieved, alongside the role it played in creating the programme institution. She addresses the impact of major changes in the studio layout since 2005, when the studio went from being ‘tardis-like’ to a ‘cosy cubbyhole’. Amanda concludes by questioning the impact that this change has had on programme identity and whether the ‘place’ that pre-2005 Blue Peter took 47 years to create has been compromised.